Article of weightlifting equipment with torso pad

ABSTRACT

An article of weightlifting equipment includes a weightlifting jacket having a main vest-shaped body having a front covering the torso of a user, a back connected to the front, and one or more pads that provide a cushion to provide comfort and to protect the user from injury by reducing the force on the body caused by a barbell. The pads include a front pad that is positioned on the portion of the jacket front to cover the lower torso of a user wearing the weightlifting jacket. The jacket also includes one or more adjustable straps that allow the jacket to be fitted for users of different sizes. The equipment can have other forms, such as a belt instead of a jacket for positioning the torso pad.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 62/297,634, filed Feb. 19, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to weightlifting equipment.

BACKGROUND

Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on three lifts, namely the squat, bench press and dead lift. There are multiple muscles that are being worked while powerlifting, including the hamstrings, calves, glutes, erector spinae (lower back), rhomboids (middle back), quadriceps, shoulders, trapezius, pectorals, biceps, and triceps. In addition, hip strength and flexibility is an integral part of being a successful powerlifter.

Most of the functional movements in other sports also require hip strength and flexibility. For example, football players need to develop a hip thrusting movement to be an effective blocker and/or tackler.

There are various lifting exercises involving free weights that enhance the flexibility and strength of hip muscles and other muscles used in powerlifting and other power sports such as football. However, there is a risk of injury with such exercises due to the significant amount of weight that is being lifted. These injuries can include strain to the joints and spine. In addition, there is a risk of injury due to the direct impact of the barbell on the body of the lifter.

There is a need for a way to enable powerlifters and athletes to perform free weightlifting exercises that enhance muscle strength and flexibility, and in particular hip strength and flexibility, while also reducing the risk of injury while performing such lifting exercises.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to weightlifting equipment. More particularly one aspect of the invention relates to a weightlifting jacket, belt, or other user wearable construction having one or more support pads to provide a safe and improved way for a user who is performing lifting exercises.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a torso pad and a user wearable device to position the torso pad on a user, such as a belt, a jacket, or other user wearable article.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a torso pad during weightlifting wherein the torso pad supports a weight, such as a barbell, on the user's torso, and in particular a lower torso area around the belly or hip area of the user. The torso pad supports the weight at least during a portion of the lifting exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of an article of weightlifting equipment in the form of a weightlifting jacket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the weightlifting jacket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the weightlifting jacket shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the weightlifting jacket of FIG. 1 worn on a user, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is side view of a user performing a lifting exercise using the weightlifting jacket as shown in FIGS. 1-4 with the user in the pre-lift position and the lifting bar resting on the lower torso of the user.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a user performing the lifting exercise with the user in the fully extended position and the lifting bar extended away from the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures are intended to show representative embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely representative of the present invention, and that the invention may be embodied in various and alternative forms to those shown in the figures.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an article 10 of weightlifting equipment is shown. The article 10 in the depicted embodiment is in the form of a weightlifting jacket 10. Jacket 10 is constructed in the form of a vest and includes a front 12, a back 14, and shoulder sections 16, 18. Side straps 20 connect the lower portions of the front 12 and back 14. Side straps 20 are adjustable in one embodiment. The front 12 and the back 14 define a top opening 17 that fits around a user's neck, and right and left arm openings 19 through which a user's arms are received.

While the embodiment of the jacket 10 shown is in the form of a sleeveless vest, it should be understood that the jacket 10 could take alternative forms. For example, the jacket 10 could be in the form of a shirt with short or long sleeves. Similarly, it should be understood that instead of having open sides below the right and left arm openings 19 with side straps 20 connecting the front 12 and the back 14, the front 12 could be directly connected or continuous with the back 14 at the bottom of the jacket 10.

In another embodiment, the device could be in the form of a belt or wrap that extends only around the lower torso of a user. In this embodiment, the belt or torso wrap extends around the torso of a user, and includes a front pad (such as discussed below) that would be positioned over the lower torso (belly) of a user.

The jacket 10 could be constructed of any material suitable to provide a user with flexibility to perform lifting actions while wearing the jacket. In one embodiment, the material would be elastic. One example is a foamed material that provides a cushion to give added comfort to a user. It is also preferred that the material be sufficiently durable such that it will not wear out or tear due to friction between the jacket and the ground or other lifting surface (e.g., mat or bench) when the user is performing lifting exercises.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-2, each of the right and left sides of the jacket 10 includes side straps 20 that connect the lower portions of the front 12 and back 14 of the jacket 10. Each of the side straps 20 can be separately adjustable. This allows the jacket 10 to be used with a wide-range of body types and sizes. It should be understood that the number of straps used can vary. For example, the jacket 10 could have a single side strap 20 on each side, or more that two side straps 20 on each side. Also, as mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment the jacket 10 does not have any side straps at all. Alternatively, the jacket 10 could have one or more straps (adjustable or non-adjustable) on only one side of the jacket 10 with the other side of the jacket having the front 12 and back 14 connected or continuous with each other. Various sizes can be provided if the user or users desire a certain fit of jacket 10.

The configuration of the side straps 20 can be seen in FIG. 3 which shows a side view of the weightlifting jacket 10. Two of the side straps 20 are shown. It is understood that the side straps 20 on the opposite side of the jacket 10 have a similar configuration to the two straps 20 shown in FIG. 3. As shown, each of the straps 20 includes a front strap 22 that is connected at one end to the front 12 of the jacket 10 and a rear strap 24 that is connected at one end to the back 14 of the jacket 10. The opposite ends of each of the front and rear straps 22, 24 include a mating clip or buckle 30, 32. The clip or buckle 30 on the front strap 22 is sized to engage the mating clip or buckle 32 on the rear strap 24. The lengths of one or both of the front and rear straps 22, 24 can be adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes and body types. However, it is understood that making the side straps adjustable is not necessary, and that alternative configurations for adjustably connecting the lower parts of the front 12 and back 14 of the jacket 10 may be used. For example, instead of buckles or clips the free ends of the front and rear straps 22, 24 could have Velcro type connections (hook and loop fasteners) to facilitate adjustable fastening. Alternatively, the side straps 20 could include a single strap connected to one of the front 12 or back 14 and a loop or loops on the other of the front 12 or back 14. In this alternative fastening embodiment, the free end of the strap could be fed through the single loop, pulled on itself to tighten the jacket the desired amount, and attached onto itself via Velcro fasteners on the free end of the strap and on an intermediate portion of the strap. Similarly, with a double loop the strap could provide adjustable attachment by having a user extend the strap through both loops, doubling the strap back and passing it through one of the loops and pulled away from the loops to tighten the connection as desired by the user. These are just representative examples of alternative embodiments that are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-2, the jacket 10 includes one or more pads. The front 12 includes a front pad 36 that is positioned on a lower portion of the jacket front 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the front pad 36 is substantially square-shaped, and extends across a majority of the width of the jacket 10, and has a height that extends from approximately the location of the top side straps 20 to approximately the location of the lower side straps 20. As shown in FIG. 4, when the jacket 10 is in use the front pad 36 covers the lower front torso area and extends down below the belly button of a user. In a preferred embodiment, when in use the front pad 36 would extend from below the pectoral line to below the belly button of a user. By positioning the front pad 36 on the lower portion of the jacket, when a user is performing the combination lift shown and described in connection with FIGS. 5-6 or other type of hip press or thrusting exercises, the weightlifting bar will rest or engage the front pad 36 to provide comfort and protection to the user. The specific shape and location of the front pad 36 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 are only intended to show one specific embodiment of the invention. For example, front pads 36 having alternative shapes (e.g., rectangular or circular) could also be used, and the specific height and width of the front pad 36 could be different. As used herein, width is in the direction side to side across the body. Height is in the direction from top to bottom (head to feet) along the body. Thickness is in the direction extending away from the body (torso or belly). In a preferred embodiment, front pad 36 has a width of between three and ten inches and a height of between three and twelve inches. In another preferred embodiment, the front pad has a width between four and eight inches, and a height between five and ten inches. However, the specific dimensions can be varied so long as the front pad 36 is sufficiently sized to ensure that the barbell engages the pad 36 when the lifting exercises are being performed.

The back 14 of the jacket 10 also includes shoulder blade pads 38, 40. The shoulder blade pads 38, 40 are positioned on each of the sides of the back 14 toward the top. The position and size of the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 are intended to approximate the location of a user's shoulder blades when the jacket 10 is in use. The specific shape and location of these pads are only intended to be illustrative of one embodiment of the invention. Also, while the figures show two discrete shoulder pads 38, 40, in an alternative embodiment the jacket 10 could include a single shoulder blade pad that extends across the top of the back 14 of the jacket 10 at the location of the user's shoulder blades. While not shown in the drawings, the jacket 10 could also include shoulder pads that extend outward from the shoulder straps 16, 18. These shoulder pads would provide extra cushion and protection when a user is performing lifts such as shoulder presses or squats that cause the weightlifting bar to rest on or engage the user's shoulders.

FIG. 3 illustrates the further features of the pads, including for example the relative thicknesses of the pads. As shown, the front pad 36 extends a distance D from the front 12 of the jacket 10. In one preferred embodiment, the distance D is at least approximately seven inches. In another preferred embodiment, the distance D is at least approximately five inches. In another preferred embodiment, the distance D is at least three inches. It is preferred that the front pad 36 have sufficient thickness so that when a user is performing hip thrusting exercises, such as the exercise shown in FIGS. 5-6, or other exercises, the barbell can be fully supported on the user and resting on the pad without the user's elbows resting on the ground. This maximizes the impact of the exercise in building hip strength and flexibility. In one embodiment, the pad 36 has a uniform thickness substantially along its entire height. However, in other embodiments, the front pad 36 could have a thickness that varies along its height. For example, the top of the pad 36 could have a first thickness that tapers to a different second thickness at the bottom of the pad 36 (or vice versa). The pad 36 preferably includes a construction that allows the bar to be supported on the pad and not roll off easily. To provide such stability, the front pad 36 has a sufficient height and thickness (as discussed above) such that the bar sinks into the pad when in use. FIG. 5 shows the barbell 50 recessed down into pad 36 with the weight of the barbell causing a depression in the pad 36. Alternatively, the pad 36 could be constructed with a predefined shape to include a channel for receiving the bar. Such construction helps facilitate stabilization of the bar during use and reduces the chance of the bar sliding off of the pad onto the user.

As further shown, the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 are relatively thin compared to the front pad 36. In one preferred embodiment, the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 extend out approximately one inch from the back 14 of the jacket 10. In other embodiments, the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 extend a distance between a quarter-inch and two inches from the back 14 of the jacket. The distance may depend in part on the specific material and the density/rigidity of the pads that are used on the jacket 10.

In the figures, the front pad 36 and the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 are illustrated as being an integral part of the jacket 10. However, in alternative embodiments, one or more of the shoulder blade pads 38, 40 and the front pad 36 could be separate parts that can be removably attached to the jacket 10. For example, the front pad 36 could be separately attached to the jacket 10 with fasteners such as Velcro (hook and loop) or straps that clip the front pad 36 to the jacket 10. The fasteners on the jacket 10 could be sufficiently sized and/or positioned to enable a user to make adjustments to the specific position of the pad 36 on the lower portion of the jacket. This would allow the jacket 10 to accommodate users having different torso sizes and to accommodate different types of lifting exercises that may require the different specific locations for the pad 36.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate how the jacket 10 works when a user performs a combination lift that combines aspects of the bench press and the power clean lift. FIG. 5 shows the user in the pre-lift position, with the jacket 10 on and buckled onto the user. In this position, the user is lying down in a pre-lift position with the barbell 50 fully resting on the front pad 36 of the jacket 10. From the pre-lift position, the user releases his hips upward from the ground into a full bridge extension and at the same time presses the barbell upward like a bench press to move the barbell above his chest, as is done in a normal bench press movement. FIG. 6 illustrates the user wearing the jacket 10 while in the full bridge (post-lift) position. Once the user reaches the full bridge position (as shown in FIG. 6), the barbell 50 is then brought back down to the front pad 36 which is positioned over the lower torso of the user, and the user's hips are returned to the floor. This sequence is then repeated again by the user as many times as desired. Barbell 50 can be as heavy as the user desires, and can include weight plates on each end if the user so desires.

The shoulder blade pads 38, 40 on the back 12 of the jacket 10 protect the user's spine and shoulder blades from being strained or injured while the user is in the full bridge extension as shown in FIG. 6.

The exercise shown in FIGS. 5-6 allows users to increase strength in their posterior chain (erector spinae, glutes, and hamstrings) which has been shown to decrease the risk of ACL/MCL injuries. This exercise will combine a thrust with a push mimicking the exact movement performed on the football field. Because the hips are involved, users can perform a lot more weight than they would be able to bench allowing for an increase in central nervous strength. The exercise also forces the user to use a lot of leg drive which sometimes gets neglected during the bench press. The jacket described herein enables a user to safely perform these types of exercises.

The jacket 10 can also be used for other weightlifting exercises such as a hip thrust where the user leans their shoulders against a support (e.g., bench) raised from the floor, with the user's feet and buttocks on the floor and a barbell on the stomach/pelvis area of the user. From there, the user lifts the buttocks from the ground to a bridge position, with the feet on the ground and the thighs and torso parallel to the ground, and then the user lowers the buttocks back down toward the ground. The jacket 10 can be used to support the barbell and protect the user from direct contact with the barbell during this exercise. Other exercises can be done with the jacket 10, as desired by the user to support a weight and protect the user's torso.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of weightlifting equipment comprising: a front member; a back member connected to the front member; and a front pad positioned on the front member, wherein the front pad has a thickness of at least three inches from the surface of the front member, wherein the front pad is positioned only on the lower portion of the front member, wherein the pad covers at least a portion of the lower torso of a user.
 2. The article of claim 1, further including a fastener adjustably connecting the front member to the back member.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the article includes a belt.
 4. The article of claim 2, wherein the article includes a weightlifting jacket construction, and wherein the back portion includes first and second shoulder blade pads that extend outward from the back member.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein the article includes a vest and the front pad has a thickness of at least five inches.
 6. The article of claim 5, wherein the back member includes at least one shoulder blade pad.
 7. The article of claim 2, wherein the article includes a vest and the front pad with a thickness of at least seven inches.
 8. An article of weightlifting equipment comprising: a weightlifting jacket to be worn by a user, including: a front member; a back member adjustably connected to the front member, wherein the front and back members define a top neck opening, a right arm opening and a left arm opening; a front pad disposed on a lower portion of the front member below the right and left arm openings such that when the jacket is worn the front pad is positioned only over at least a portion of the lower torso of a user.
 9. The article of claim 8, the weightlifting jacket further including first and second side straps that adjustably connect front member to the back member, and wherein the front pad has a height that extends from a position generally adjacent the position of the first side strap to a position below the second side strap.
 10. The article of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second side straps includes a front portion connected to the front member and having a free end with a first buckle, and a second portion connected to the back member and having a free end with a second buckle, and wherein the first buckle mates with the second buckle.
 11. The article of claim 8, wherein the first and second side straps are a first pair of side straps on a first side of the weightlifting jacket, and wherein the weightlifting jacket further includes a second pair of side straps on a second side of the jacket, and wherein the side straps of the first and second pairs are adjustable.
 12. The article of claim 8, wherein the front pad extends at least three inches from the front of the weightlifting jacket.
 13. The article of claim 8, wherein the front pad extends at least five inches from the front of the weightlifting jacket.
 14. The article of claim 8, wherein the front pad extends at least seven inches from the front of the weightlifting jacket.
 15. The article of claim 8, wherein the front pad is removably attached to the front of the weightlifting jacket.
 16. The article of claim 8, wherein the weightlifting jacket is a vest, and wherein the back portion includes first and second shoulder blade pads that extend outward from the back member.
 17. The article of claim 16, wherein the front pad extends at least three inches from the front member.
 18. The article of claim 17, wherein the front pad extends at least five inches from the front member.
 19. The article of claim 17, wherein the front pad is removably connected to the front member.
 20. The article of claim 17, wherein the front pad has a height of at least four inches and a width of at least four inches.
 21. An article of weightlifting equipment comprising: a wearable device to be worn by a user, and generally surrounding the user in the torso area, the wearable device including a front member; and a front pad positioned on the front member, wherein front pad is positioned only on the front member whereby the pad covers at least a portion of the lower torso of a user for supporting a barbell positioned on top of the user when the user is in a generally horizontal position.
 22. A method of using a torso pad during weightlifting wherein the torso pad supports a weight, such as a barbell, on the user's torso, and in particular a lower torso area around the belly or hip area of the user, wherein the torso pad supports the weight at least during a portion of the lifting exercise. 